The work of three northeastern Wisconsin community leaders will be recognized by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh at the University’s midyear commencement at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 15.
New North founders Robert J. DeKoch and Kathi P. Seifert, and to David L. Omachinski, a 1974 graduate and the secretary/treasurer of the UW Oshkosh Foundation, will each receive a Chancellor’s Medallion. The medallions are presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the University, the region, the state and the nation. The ceremony will take place at the Kolf Sports Center, 785 High Ave.
“The University is pleased to honor the outstanding contributions of these fine leaders,” said Wells. “Through their work they have revitalized northeast Wisconsin’s New North and have made a significant impact on the region’s economic and community development.”
DeKoch and Seifert were instrumental in developing New North Inc., the regional economic collaboration that works to promote and expand economic viability in 18 northeastern Wisconsin counties. Today, they serve as co-chairs of this critical consortium that unites efforts in the New North brand to gain a better quality of community life through regional cooperation than by competing for resources and growth.
DeKoch is the president and chief operating officer of The Boldt Company, a national construction, consulting and technical services firm headquartered in Appleton, Wis. Prior to his current role at Boldt, Bob spent 25 years in the manufacturing sector where he served in various management and executive leadership roles in the chemical industry, the brewing industry and the pulp and paper industry. He recently co-authored the book “Embracing Uncertainty — The Essence of Leadership.” He received an MBA from UW Oshkosh in 1981.
Seifert retired as executive vice president for the Kimberly-Clark Corporation after 26 years at the company. Most recently, she led the team that develops and manages global plans for branding and product positioning, R and D programs, and capital investment for personal care products. In addition, she oversaw the company’s U.S. and Canadian consumer sales forces. She recently was named to Fortune magazine’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business. She also was named to Forbes.com’s annual list of “America’s Top Businesswomen.”
Omachinski, an executive management consultant who has a history of taking organizations to highly profitable, sustainable results, has been involved in several fundraising activities, including the highly successful Paine Art Center and Gardens capital campaign. As co-chair of the UW Oshkosh Foundation’s current $24-million pride. purpose. promise. campaign, he enthusiastically champions the benefits it will bring to the people and the economy of northeastern Wisconsin. Additionally, he is the president-elect of the CHAMCO Board of Directors.
Omachinski earned a bachelor’s degree in business from UW Oshkosh in 1974 and in 1992 was a recipient of the College of Business Alumni Association Outstanding Alumni Award. In 2000, he was awarded the Financial Executive of the Year Award by the Institute of Management Accountants.